Research Lab Tips

[Albatross3]

---

Members don't see this ad.

To everyone out there that has prior experience in a research lab as an undergraduate, do you have any tips to pass along? I begin working in a biochem research lab when this semester begins and am looking for general advice because I am not totally sure what to expect. I'll be in the lab ~15 hours per week and am expected to actively contribute once I get up to speed and have my feet underneath me. Of course as an undergraduate I am not doing anything groundbreaking and most of my assigned work will be at the instruction of the post docs in the lab group, but I would none the less be interested to hear from those of you who have done this kind of thing before.

TLDR: start working in a biochemistry research lab group this semester. Any tips?

 

[DrEnderW]

First off, congrats on getting a research position!

I did pretty heavy research throughout undergrad and in the summers and my advice to you is to meet with the professor running your lab and get a clear understanding of the time commitment and your responsibilities. In research, there is never too much work or too much time you can commit and I'm sure most PIs would love unlimited time commitment.

However, no matter what the research leads to (conferences, publications, LORs. etc), nothing is as important as keeping your grades up and preparing for the MCAT. Make sure sure you set up realistic goals for time in the lab and make sure the professor is on the same page as you.

Also, make sure your share your interest on contributing to publications and desire to get your name on some papers!

 

[Shinobiz11]

Make sure you understand your research project. What it is about, why you are doing, why its important. Don't forget to have fun with it. Get to know your colleagues, make relationships. Don't just be there for the EC on your app. Good luck! 🙂

 

[goodkarma]

To everyone out there that has prior experience in a research lab as an undergraduate, do you have any tips to pass along? I begin working in a biochem research lab when this semester begins and am looking for general advice because I am not totally sure what to expect. I'll be in the lab ~15 hours per week and am expected to actively contribute once I get up to speed and have my feet underneath me. Of course as an undergraduate I am not doing anything groundbreaking and most of my assigned work will be at the instruction of the post docs in the lab group, but I would none the less be interested to hear from those of you who have done this kind of thing before.

TLDR: start working in a biochemistry research lab group this semester. Any tips?

Be clear from the beginning with your PI/grad student/mentor about your time commitment and goals (i.e. publishing).

Read review articles in your field and recent papers from the lab before beginning.

Pursue learning about/gaining experience with different techniques, model systems, scientific design, presentation, and writing (a.k.a. learn as much as possible while you're there!).

Get involved in the undergraduate research community. Does your institution have a journal club, specific fellowships, poster fairs, etc.?

Once you're somewhat comfortable in your research, don't be afraid to propose experiments and be independent in your project.

 

[deleted503015]

Make sure you are realistic about how much time you can commit and are up-front with the lab about it. Realize that if you cannot commit full days or large chunks of time on consecutive days, you may not be able to get much done.

Keep clear notes and make sure you keep the people you are working with informed on what is going on in your project (especially if someone is going to need to do a step for you while you are unavailable).

I would strongly recommend NOT saying a publication is one of your goals in any initial meetings. It really does not come off well.

Edit: from the perspective of someone who worked in labs as an undergraduate and is now training one in their current lab.